Flags are very strong symbolic images of recognition of the sovereignty of a country. They have been used for a very long time by people of all kinds. In the Western world, its origin is in antiquity: warriors gathered around pieces of cloth hung on the end of a long stick before going into battle.

It is this habit that subsequently gave rise to the use of banners in feudal times, which correspond to what can truly be described as the first flags, as explained by Michel Pastoureau, specialist images and symbols, to History. Today there are a total of 193 flags around the world.

The vast majority of flags in use today have a rectangular shape. Exceptions to the rule include Nepal, which consists of two triangles one above the other, and the only two square flags: that of Switzerland and the Vatican. The colors and shapes present on the flags obviously have a symbolic meaning.

Thus, the color red is generally associated with moderately cheerful things, as betanews indicates. It is often used to represent the blood shed during battles that have forged the history of a country. Blue, on the other hand, can have more diverse meanings: the sky, the sea, but also freedom or peace.

Are you good at flags? Take the quiz below to find out!